Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Jesse Jay Perez, a 29-year-old resident of Naples, Florida, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. This development was announced by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Thanks to the dedication of Gainesville Police Officers, this wanted fugitive is back where he belongs, behind bars. My office is committed to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who unlawfully possess weapons or ammunition and pose a risk to the safety and security of our fellow citizens.”
According to court documents, on January 1, 2025, officers from the Gainesville Police Department encountered Perez during a traffic stop. It was determined that there was an outstanding felony fugitive warrant for his arrest from California. At the time of his arrest, Perez had in his possession a backpack containing various items including a machete, a pellet rifle, a flare gun, 13 magazines, 380 rounds of ammunition, and components for constructing a "ghost gun" assault rifle. Due to a prior felony conviction, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Perez could face up to fifteen years in prison along with three years of supervised release and fines amounting to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Gainesville Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is set for September 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida operates as one of 94 offices under the guidance of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed online via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about this office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
